Manchester City is preparing for a busy period, with manager Pep Guardiola indicating that academy players will play a crucial role as the team navigates a challenging schedule. The club faces an intense week starting with an independent hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League financial regulations, which will coincide with the kickoff of their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan. Following this, City will host Arsenal in the Premier League and Watford in the League Cup’s third round.
The upcoming fixtures are part of a demanding season projected to see City participate in around 75 games. The congested schedule, exacerbated by the expanded Champions League format and the addition of the Club World Cup, has raised concerns among players like Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and Bernardo Silva about the strain of such a packed calendar. Guardiola acknowledged the challenges but remained focused on adapting to the situation.
Guardiola emphasized that while the expanded competition format brings additional games, the team must adjust and continue to perform. He expressed his preference for participating in the Champions League and reassured that the squad, including contributions from the academy, will be prepared for the rigorous demands ahead. “We have to adapt and go,” he stated, highlighting the necessity of embracing the expanded schedule.
In light of the expanded European competitions, which now feature 36 teams, and legal challenges against Fifa's expanded Club World Cup, the pressure on teams is increasing. Last season, Premier League clubs experienced the shortest recovery times between matches compared to other top European leagues, reflecting the growing demands of the football calendar.
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